Main menu

www.beierdrums.com

MEL WATTS-LIVE WITH BJ THOMAS-BEIER 1.5 STEEL–6.5 X 14….

Mel Watts is out on the road with BJ Thomas & his new 1.5 Steel–6.5 x 14. It is so great to see him with this drum. He initially played one in the same size in Nashville in a session. That drum he had borrowed from David Northrup-(Thank You David). This drum as well I did with Tube Lugs, and have done that quite a few times actually. The drum retains all of it’s qualities, and I am a long time fan of them as well.

His career is extensive, incredible, and musically diverse. He was the long time drummer for The Little River Band, and has recorded and/or played live with Andy Griggs, Del Shannon, Deana Carter, Leslie Gore, Hank Williams Jr., Garth Brooks (Scarecrow) & Exile to name a few. He has also appeared on Late Night With David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and many others. He has been the drummer for BJ Thomas for some time now, and has been using the drum since Day 1 that he got one. That included a performance recently at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, Ohio with a 46 piece orchestra.

Due to a snowstorm, I could not attend the show in Chicago several months ago. That was a real disappointment here! Very much looking forward to when this show comes around again. Thanks for all of the clips you sent Mel, your feedback on the drum, and for taking it out on the road with you. Cannot tell you how much I appreciate that. Looking forward to meeting you and seeing you live soon~

When I was in high school I had to play at a local festival with the marching band. Mel was there with the band Exile getting setup while we performed. He watched and then came up and talked to me for a bit about our drums, how long I had been playing… ya know… just drummer talk. We continued to hang and talk while he was setting up. He showed me his kit and let me sit behind it and play for a bit. Such a cool guy! That’s something that has always stuck with me throughout the years. It was the fact that someone that was doing what I wanted to do took the time to just hang and share his experiences with a kid from the local marching band.

That was my first taste of what the drum community was like before all of the online platforms were even created. Humble, willing to give and share knowledge to inspire and help others.

Great post! If you talk to Mel tell him I said hey, he might not remember me though lol!